Microsoft Q2F-00013 LifeCam Studio with built-in noise cancelling Microphone, Auto-Focus, Light Correction, USB Connectivity, for Microsoft Teams/Zoom, compatible with Windows 8/10/11/Mac

I was surprised at how good the image quality is with this webcam, even when in less than perfect lighting. It is definitely a big step up from the pre-installed webcam on my laptop. This brings me to the only issue I had with installing the camera. I have to disable the built-in webcam every time I start up my computer in order to use the LifeCam. Other than that, the installation consists of plugging in the usb cable and then clicking to give permission to activate the cam when on Skype, chat, etc.. I wanted a webcam that allowed me to easily change angles without moving my computer and I purposely got the studio version because of the tripod mount. So far, I have not needed the tripod, because the bendable bracket is pretty versatile. I can hang the camera on the back of a chair, or simply bend it so the flat part of the bracket acts as a base and set it on a table or desk top. As I said before, the image quality is excellent, even in relatively low light. As with any webcam, there is a slight lag time/blur if you move a lot, but it is minimal with the LifeCam. Overall a very good camera for the money.

Windows 10 stopped supporting my old webcam. I was a little pissed but the LifeCam VX-1000 was pretty old (but it was Microsoft). I like the replacement LifeCam Studio. Going from VGA resolution to Full HD (1920X1080) is nice. The instructions (pictures) were not that clear and the pointer to the website at the beginning was misleading. There was no software or drivers on the website just PDF copies of the documents that came with the webcam. I guess the best thing to do is to ignore the instructions. With my Windows 10 computer connected to the Internet, I just plugged in the webcam and the drivers downloaded automatically. A couple of the drivers seem to be related to facial recognition. It looks like the webcam automatically focuses on what it recognizes as the subject's face. The webcam works with the "Camera" app that is built into Windows 10. It works with other apps, too because apparently this is a UVC standard webcam. There are no controls on the webcam except for a button that you set in software to snap a picture or a burst of pictures or start/stop video and stuff like that. There is a light on the button that comes on when the computer accesses the webcam. "Manual" focusing is done through software. I can get it to focus from a couple of inches to infinity. I found drivers for the VX-1000 after buying this webcam. It looks like Microsoft wrote drivers for my old webcam after I gave up on it. Go figure.

This is a rewrite of a review I previously wrote about both the Logitech C920 and Microsoft Lifecam Studio 1080p HD. I've raised my rating from three to four stars for both webcams. They are both very good units, but both have significant flaws that make it impossible to give either of them five stars. I bought these webcams for a video project, so all of my testing has been for video capture and editing. I haven't tested still images or Skype. At the end of the review, I also will give some information about four software packages that are available - one of them free - for recording video with these webcams: Active Webcam, Arcsoft's Webcam Companion, CyberLink's Youcam, and Virtual Dub. I'm rewritten this review after using the Logitech for a month and the Microsoft for three weeks. I ordered the Logitech first. I've been buying Logitech products since the 1990s and until now was never disappointed. This time I was so dissatisfied with it that I ordered the Microsoft, only to be even more disappointed. It's not that they are terrible. They are both excellent in many ways. However I expect more from a 1080p unit than from an ordinary webcam, especially considering the glowing reviews they receive. One thing I love about both webcams is the tripod mount. For my video project, I needed to mount the webcam on a tripod, so this was a requirement. It will also be useful in future shooting. Both webcams will work with any standard tripod. I used a Sony VCT-R100 tripod for my project. Microsoft's most obvious flaw is advertising this as a 1080p webcam without mentioning that it only does 1080p still images, not recorded video. If you use some non-Microsoft software (Virtual Dub and Cyberlink's You Cam), it will record at 1080p, but the quality is poor if there's any movement in the scene. On the other hand, the Logitech doesn't come off well either. Its most obvious flaw is in its video compression, which results in major video artifacts under certain conditions. If you don't know what a video artifact is, it basically makes the scene look like something out of science fiction. The strange thing is that the recorded video plays with no problem in a video player, such as Windows Media Player, but when I try to edit it, the artifacts appear. I've read reports by other owners who say it also happens with Skype. I haven't tried these webcams with Skype, so I have no experience with this. I did find a way around the problem with Premiere Pro, but the easiest way to avoid the problem in recorded video is simply to use non-Logitech software for recording video. I tried Virtual Dub, Arcsoft's Web Companion, and Cyberlink's You Cam. All of them recorded video from the Logitech with no artifacts. One other recording issue is video format. If you are buying the webcam for recorded video on a Mac or Linux, or if you want to edit the video, you may find the Logitech the better choice. The .wmv format is a Windows format, so anyone on a different system will probably have to convert it to a different format to use it, and even on Windows, editing it can be a problem, but the Microsoft records only in .wmv. The Logitech records 1080p and 720p as .mp4 and 480p and 360p video as .wmv The Logitech's other problem is color balance, which is disappointing. The Microsoft's color balance is generally much better. I gave up completely on using the Logitech's automatic color and set it manually every time. The Microsoft is much more demanding of your CPU. Unless you have a fast computer, you probably won't get z good HD recording with it. I have a quad core 3.0GHZ i7 with 24GB of RAM, but the Microsoft could record only 13.1fps at 720p and 6.4fps at 1080p, using Virtual Dub. The Logitech did much better, averaging exactly 30.0fps at both 720p and 1080p. Using the Windows 7 Performance Monitor, I found that the CPU usage while recording ranged from about 40% to 60% for the Microsoft but only about 15% to 35% for the Logitech. I also tried it on my 1.6GHz Samsung netbook. The Logitech recorded better than I expected, though it you wouldn't want to use it on any scene with movement in it. The Microsoft's greater demands on the CPU made it completely unacceptable for recording 720p video on the netbook. To my eyes the Microsoft delivers a much sharper image (a purely subjective measurement) than the Logitech. If you transport your webcam a lot, then the recessed lens on the Microsoft offers much more protection than the Logitech lens, which has no protection at all. The Microsoft comes with a rubber lens cap, but it's so loose that it's completely useless. The recessed lens is an excellent design feature, however. The Microsoft is also much smaller, which could be useful if you move it around a lot. The Microsoft software won't let you change the microphone on the Microsoft, but the Logitech software does allow it. The Microsoft microphone is located on the top rear of the webcam, which I expected would be a terrible location, but in practice it's better than I expected. The Logitech microphone is in front, where it should be, and does produce better audio (I was sitting about two feet from the webcams for the tests). The Logitech is stereo and the Microsoft is mono. If you use other software for recording, such as Virtual Dub, Arcsoft's Web Companion, and Cyberlink's You Cam, you can specify different audio inputs. The autofocus isn't great on either unit, but Logitech's is better than Microsoft's. Logitech's software allows you to specify a folder for storing videos and photos, but Microsoft's does not. On Windows 7, it stores everything in My Pictures. Microsoft creates .wmv video files and Logitech creates .mp4 files. Logitech offers three levels of video and three levels of audio quality. Microsoft doesn't give a choice. Logitech allows recording at four video resolutions: 360p, 480p, 720p, and 1080p. Microsoft allows recording at seven video resolutions (eight for photographs): 160x120, 320x240, 424x240, 640x360, 800x448, 960x544, and 1280x720. Zoom controls on both tend to be erratic in how they operate and often don't work at all. Microsoft tilts and pans, rotating a full 360 degrees. The Logitech can only tilt up and down. If you want to pan, you need a tripod. The sad thing is that I actually prefer both the color balance and the zoom & pan controls on my old Kodak S101 640x480 webcam, though the Microsoft and Logitech both are superior in image quality, even at low resolutions equivalent to the Kodak's. The Microsoft developed some intermittent problems towards the end. The previously excellent automatic exposure sometimes didn't work properly, and my computer occasionally gave me a warning that it didn't recognize it as a USB device. My bottom line: ============== I only needed one webcam for my project. I originally disliked the Logitech so much that I ordered the Microsoft and intended returning the Logitech, only to be even more disappointed by the Microsoft. I ended up using the Logitech for my project and I am returning the Microsoft. It was frustrating, because in many ways I prefer the Microsoft, but recording only 720p video and having higher CPU requirements made it less useful for me. I returned it because of the intermittent problems I experienced, but would have returned it anyway because of the other issues. Now for the software. If you buy the Logitech and you plan to do 720p or 1080p video recording, then you'll definitely want to look into alternative software because the Logitech's produces video with unacceptable artifacts that you don't see while watching them, but become very apparent if you edit the video, at least with Adobe Premiere Pro. Virtual Dub (free) ================= At first this one turned me off, but after I played with it for a few weeks and watched a YouTube video on configuring it, I fell in love with it. If you are serious about video, this is the one to get. It's loaded with options, but it's not the most user-friendly software available. However after you get used to it, the others are frustratingly limited in comparison. However it's definitely not for casual users. Cyberlink You Cam ($35) ====================== If you're going to edit your video or if you're on a Mac or Linux machine, this is the one you want to get because records .avi files. It's a great choice for nontechnical people who don't want to deal with Virtual Dub's nonintuitive user interface Arcsoft Webcam Companion 4 ($35) ============================== This is a nice package with just one problem: it only records .wmv files. This is a Windows format, so you'll need to convert it to use on a Mac or Linux machine, and you may have problems editing it. Active WebCam ($29) ================= Initially this is the one I thought I'd like, but I was never actually able to test it because it was constantly freezing up. If you are using multiple webcams for surveillance, you should look into it. It does get good reviews. However the user interface leaves a lot to be desired, but because of the freezing up I never had the opportunity to give it a real test.

Bought LifeCam Studio webcam for Skype use; performance far exceeds my expectations. Purchased at $55. with Amazon Prime two-day shipping. LifeCam Studio has proved a true value. If not already aware, final resolution used for connection set by Skype, using lowest common denominator between hardware capabilities at both ends. However, my local live video stream is stunning (even at 640x480), e.g., the image color balance and noise-free image, in daylight or in mixed lighting at night. Expect will translate to good video captures, too. Fortunate to have PC hardware that supports LifeCam Studio, Intel Core i7 processor and GPU dedicated graphics card. Mount to monitor is simple and effective. Unlike competing unit, "Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920," allows adjustment in horizontal plane. Autofocus is sharp and responsive. Comment on install and setup: After first plugged in USB 2.0 cable to PC, Windows 7 x64 downloaded drivers without a hitch. Then, LifeCam Studio prompted to, "Install Microsoft LifeCam" control software and driver update; did not install. Had read in review and forum, not worthwhile. Confirmed Windows 7 x64 had initially installed the latest drivers, anyway, 3.60.250.0. However, if your PC configuration meets hardware requirements, recommend "CyberLink YouCam 5" for use as control software; in addition to splitting video stream among video applications, adds real-time "auto lighting" and "TrueTheater" for further image enhancement.

Received the camera today. Nice looking and seems to be well built. Installed Microsoft webcam software on my Windows 8 PC.. Wouldn't even show on my desk top. When I plugged in the camera into the USB port, it would flash twice and the driver would load properly. but no picture. uninstalled the microsoft software and installed about three other webcam software. NADA. Still no picture and the camera would not turn on. I was believing I had a DOA on my hand. Then I remember someone mentioned ArcSoft Webcam Companion 4. Downloaded it and installed it. Webcam came on and the picture came out in High Definition. It also can be shown in 3d. I used one of those RED/GREEN 3d glasses made of card board and the video was actually in three dimensional. I went and purchased ArcSoft because it was the only software that would work on my Windows 8 x64 bit computer. I can see every pore on my face with this camera. I went from 640 x 480 to 1920 x 1080 and the difference was instantly noticeable. This camera does work in HD mode. The sound is very good. Gave it four stars because of the incompatibility of the software. Good thing the other software showed me it was a software problem and not hardware problem. I do recommend this webcam. I will update later if I encounter any problems with the webcam. Update: July 2017 - This computer camera from Microsoft has been working great with great sound from the Microphone. Since Updating to Windows 10 Pro, Every camera software including the Windows camera apps that came with Windows 10 Pro works great. In fact, Now Arcsoft Webcam 4 doesn't work in Windows 10 Pro and I needed to uninstall it. But as mentioned earlier, I don't need it anymore to run my webcam. Plenty of webcam software all work with this camera. Changed it to five stars.

To be clear... even though the side of the box says Windows 10 compatible, Windows 10 compatible this is NOT. You get an "unexpected error" message in the middle of the auto installation when you plug in the USB to your PC. This happened on my PC as well as 2 other friends who also have windows 10. However, my roommates PC that was running Windows 8.1 had no problems at all. So off i went to the official Microsoft site, https://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/d/lifecam-studio , To find that there are no drivers for Windows 10! Installation of any drivers available, running in all proper compatibility modes gave the exact same error in the exact same spot during the installation process. AAAARGH!!! Why would you not support the hardware designed for your software?!?! So after hours of trouble shooting, I randomly decided to try it on my friends editing machine also running windows 10. IT WORKED!!!! Flawlessly. Autodetected. Installed. Worked great with Cortana, Skype, Websites etc. I googled around a little more and it turns out that some video editing software comes with their own drivers to auto-detect recording devices. So, not wanting to pay for anything, i found this free trial software called Camtasia, https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html . I installed the software onto my PC. Didn't even run the program or anything. I plugged the LifeCam Studio and BOOM, worked perfectly. Cortana, Skype, websites etc all detect it with no problems at all. Been using it for about a week now with no issues. So... with that in mind. It's a great webcam, very decent picture, great price on amazon, the mic works with Cortana from across the room. Lot's of headache trying to get it to work so 3 stars. 5 if it was just plug and play. I'm keeping it though because after all it does work very well.

This camera has worked well on my personal computer, as well as my work computer. Skype, Zoom, and Teams tested. Picture is clear and focused. No one has ever asked me to repeat what I said, or asked me to speak up. Though this camera is not the most streamline of devices, I like that it has a cap to cover the camera when you don’t want to be onscreen, and that you can easily just turn the camera to point it wherever you want. Have considered buying a second one of these just to leave on my workstation at the office.

--- BEWARE I DO NOT RECOMMEND UPDATING THE FIRMWARE IF PROMPTED --- I give Microsoft a C-minus for effort on this one. The good is that it worked when it was first plugged in to the PC. The bad is that I installed the newest software Microsoft released since the manufacturing of the device, and it left the webcam broken. My customer support experience was terrible. Read below for details, or click over to the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, 1080p Webcam for a device that is not only functional, but actually has some major features that this Microsoft Lifecam Studio is lacking. It arrived, and does not include a disc with drivers or software. The packaging encourages you to hop over to Microsoft.com to download their Lifecam software (not worth the money they paid their software engineers to develop it). I plugged in the webcam before installing the software, and it worked great. Then I followed Microsoft's instructions and installed the latest firmware. Ordinarily I wouldn't have bothered, but firmware updates are released to fix bugs encountered after distributing a hardware product. The bad thing is that firmware (in lay computer user terms) is the software stored INSIDE the hardware. It is the programming that allows it to actually start-up and function for you. As you read earlier, I performed the update and it broke the camera so that it no longer displays video. It outputs a solid black picture to any device it is connected to. There is no solution to this, with exception to Microsoft releasing a newer firmware update that outlines it fixes their faux pas. You know, mistakes happen. I was just a little bummed out and thought "shoot, well guess this has to go back." Then I decided I should have due diligence and research the topic. Surely if I had this experience another customer must have. This left me very disappointed because on Microsoft's own support site they have forum posts describing this EXACT issue for this exact model. Just no resolution or even reply stating they're working on a solution. One post was from a Top Contributor (maybe MS employee??) that said "I suggest you start a new thread due to the age of this one" ... This made me lose all hope, so I am having to return the camera to Amazon. The other stuff you should know; The cheaper and supposedly lessor capable Microsoft LifeCam Cinema actually will leave you with the same quality video experience with most programs. I can't say that the advertising for the Lifecam Studio model is false, but it's borderline. This model, the "studio", boasts being 1080p HD (True High Definition). This camera only takes single frame photos at that resolution/quality. In most situations this camera will only provide you with a 720p HD experience, just as the afore mentioned Lifecam Cinema model. Unless you have a HD computer screen with a resolution of 1600x1080, the video recipient on the other end needs to have this technology, otherwise they'll never see the difference. For highly technical people this matters (and they wouldn't have read this far). For the normal office video conference of 1-2 guys to someone in a remote office, or to video call your kid in college - a 720p camera is great. If you still want to have the absolute best quality video, so that just in case the person on the receiving end gets the sharpest quality video of you ... You'll want a camera like the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, 1080p Webcam . It's stereo microphone, and true 1080p video recording/live streaming ability at 30 frames per second is far superior. From what I read this Logitech model handles the High Definition processing on the 'hardware side', inside the camera. In the long run this makes me believe it will take longer to become dated technology, and have a wider compatibility of uses. It's also in the same price bracket.

I have had my old webcam camera for a long time; the old one was much cheaper, but there was less stuff on offer then. The old one itself replaced a really old one. Necnology has move on again and this is much better. I am old now and will not need to update my webcam again; I've made three goodbye videos which can be played after I have past away, if anyone wants to look at them.

Ha sido un producto muy completo y de buena calidad funciona con todas las aplicaciones. El audio y el video son de muy buena calidad para videoconferencia.

The picture quality is very good and most people comment on the clearness of the camera.

the Microsoft LifeCam Studio is well-made and feels as if it should last for a number of years. i own Macintosh computers so when i initially connected it, the image was very overexposed. i believe this is because the product was made primarily for Windows PC's and laptops. this was easily solved by purchasing a third-party app, "Webcam Settings," on the Apple App Store which allows manual control of exposure, background exposure and white balance.

Para quem quer gravar vídeos com qualidade superior, sem falhas e com investimento que cabe em seu bolso. A Microsoft consegue com esse equipamento entregar qualidade a preço justo. Basta plugar na conexão USB para começar a utilizar, muito simples. Recomendo.